Comments on: South Side Morning 5: Jose Quintana is Just Fine

By: Marty34

Marty34 — Sat, 13 May 2017 14:02:30 +0000

I guess it comes down to me be skeptical of Hostetler’s ability because I’m skeptical of any front office hire under this ownership. They will never spend to get the cream of the crop.

By: Nick Schaefer

Nick Schaefer — Thu, 11 May 2017 15:35:58 +0000

That’s distinctly possible. I know Keith Law mentioned that he felt better about Collins’ bat-to-ball ability once he saw him in pro ball last year, but mileage may vary.

As a side note, I had hoped they’d pop Kyle Lewis when he was still available at ten, but they may already have had a handshake deal in place with Collins.

By: Marty34

Marty34 — Tue, 09 May 2017 01:07:00 +0000

Collins has a relatively pronounced hitch in his swing that I read bothered some scouts before last year’s draft. Given his start this year, I wonder what Hostetler’s thoughts are now on that.

By: Nick Schaefer

Nick Schaefer — Mon, 08 May 2017 15:18:14 +0000

Even people who didn’t think he’d stick at catcher thought he was fair value at 10 given his bat.

As far as how he’s doing so far…well, the average and power aren’t what you’d like to see, but he’s still walking like crazy and not striking out much. Catcher development is hard, and the consensus seems to be he’s working his tail off to improve defensively and it’s showing real dividends.

Right now I’d be pleased that it’s looking more like he’ll stick at catcher than instead of worrying about him hitting ~.240 after a month of play.

I’m not sure I parse your last question. If you’re referring to his current “slump” then it happened a year after the draft and I’m not sure how that can…retroactively impact his draft value?

By: Marty34

Marty34 — Fri, 05 May 2017 15:47:22 +0000

Everything I read about Collins was that if you thought he could catch he was a top 10 pick. I never saw anything remotely putting him as the top player in the draft. An advanced college bat should be showing it in high A. How much of a factor is his bat dip and why did/does Hostetler discount that?

By: Nick Schaefer

Nick Schaefer — Thu, 04 May 2017 14:46:39 +0000

Last year’s draft really did not have a consensus number one pick. Collins’ bat was widely regarded as a sure thing, so if you thought he could catch–which Hostetler clearly does, and there is increasing evidence that he was right–then who among 1-9 do you think is obviously better? Senzel seems safe I guess?

By: Marty34

Marty34 — Wed, 03 May 2017 16:36:06 +0000

. . . Or maybe the “bat dip” Collins has is a problem. I think for the number one player on their board his performance so far has to be a concern.

By: Russ

Russ — Wed, 03 May 2017 16:28:12 +0000

Nothing helps rebuild a farm system quite like impatience.
Kyle Schwarber is only hitting .196. He’s probably a bust too.
/sarc

Seems to me Collins is primarily focused on improving his catching. It could be that his body needs to adjust to the everyday-catching workload. Certainly his batting eye hasn’t been affected.

By: Marty34

Marty34 — Wed, 03 May 2017 14:46:51 +0000

Speaking of drafts, is it time to be worried about Zach Collins? What’s worse is that over the winter Hostetler went out of his way to tell us that he was the number one player on their board. Maybe Hostetler doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing.